Tag Archives: give

06

November

November 6, 2015

“If you don’t post it on social media, it never happened” is a common misconception. It can be extremely easy to lose sight of what’s important with the way the media has helped play a role in distracting us. The need to post everything we do from what we ate that night to a rant on presidential elections are among the themes we see on our Facebook news feeds. Some things should be left unseen and unheard. Unfortunately, privacy no longer exists.

Social media often fuels the selfish nature of man. Self is gloried at every turn. While the need to be outwardly beautiful is every person’s desire, this need has become an obsession to the point that many can’t post a picture without first editing and tweaking. Instagram accounts look like editorial features from magazines ranging from Cosmo to Southern Living.

“If you don’t have a crisp, white kitchen, wreaths decorated with burlap, and you and your children looking as if you’ve stepped out of J. Crew, you’re nothing,” a friend joked as we were talking about social media expectations.

What if the time we spent in front of the mirror or retaking a photo was spent serving others? What if we decided to create a balance, “unfollow” those who cause us to compare? What if we didn’t think about self so much but the person we may have passed by at the grocery store who needed help with their bags? Did we notice the homeless woman sitting outside that department store?

An act of service may not be seen or heard by a crowd of many. But the impact it has on an individual far outweighs the “likes” your selfie may receive.

Sometimes I have to remind myself what it’s all about. The expectations of the media and the self absorption it has helped create can be exhausting. To set myself aside, serve a person less fortunate puts things into perspective.

And if no one sees it or hears it, it still happened…. and best of all, it could be life changing to someone who really needs it.

Join me this Thanksgiving in serving those in the Birmingham area. Listed below are service opportunities hosted by several organizations in the city.

23

December

December 23, 2013

Green Bottle Candle Company

The Green Bottle Candle Company eco-friendly small business down in the heart of Dixie! Bottled in Birmingham, Alabama, this company creates all-natural soy candles set in re-purposed wine bottles from local restaurants. Candles, wine and saving the planet? Yes, please! Check them out and find a local retailer near you at thegreenbottlecandlecompany.com.

Kris Nations Jewelry

Created by Kris and Kim Nation, this jewelry line is not only unique and elegant but many of their pieces are made from recycled metals. Known for their state-pride necklaces and tribal jewelry, many celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian have been spotted wearing Kris Nation jewelry. Check out krisnations.com.